The city of Orlando has a special place in my heart, as I consider Walt Disney World my second home. I was in the beautiful city just two weeks ago, days prior to this horrible mass shooting.
I often think of Orlando as a happy and peaceful city. Maybe my point of view is biased because I associate it with the happiest place on earth. I was horrified to hear what had happened inside a night club as so many people were just enjoying their night.
Growing up, I learned to love your city. The atmosphere was similar to New York’s, as people were constantly moving and there was an abundance of things to do. The people seemed to be happy as they ventured through Orlando and explored all it had to offer. A beautiful city is now trying to piece itself back together in the wake of a massive loss.
As a New Yorker, I know how just one event can completely rattle a city or an entire nation. Well 15 years ago, all New Yorker’s lives changed forever on what started out as a normal day in the city. And now, the nation rallies around you as you face the same challenges we did so long ago.
On September 11, 2001, people were going on about their morning just as they had for years previous. But, that morning was far from normal and went down as one of the deadliest days in American history and the deadliest terrorist attack on America ever. Terrorism is an evil that is hard for most people to fully understand. What is the point of violence against innocent civilians? We once again have to ask ourselves that same question after the tragedy in Orlando. A beautiful city now has to come together in order to come to terms with what has happened.
Once again, parents will have to say goodbye to their children; husbands, wives, and partners have had their last kiss with their loved ones; children will grow up without parents and friends will have to mourn the loss of some of the most important people in their lives. Saying goodbye is never an easy task, but it is made even harder when lives are lost at the hand of senseless violence.
I can’t help but feel for everyone who has to figure out how to go on with their lives without someone important to them in it. You are not alone. The entire country is behind you. We stand with you as you begin to move on from this, and understand that those lost will never actually be gone. We are stronger than terrorists. And, it may seem like things will never get better and the hate in your hearts will never subside, but it will. There are brighter days ahead. In a situation filled with hate and sadness, I hope you feel the love that everyone is sending your way.
My heart goes out to you, Orlando, and so does everyone else’s.
